Father's sad journey to where toddler was killed

Page Tools

A father has made a heart-wrenching return to a suburban soccer field where he joined a coroner in watching a re-enactment of his daughter's death.

India, 3, died in June last year when a portable goalpost at Moss Vale, in the NSW Southern Highlands, toppled onto her as she walked alongside her mother, Caroline, during a family soccer day. The 180kg steel frame, which was not pegged down, crushed her tiny body, causing severe head injuries.

Yesterday, at the first day of the inquest, the coroner heard how authorities had failed to follow safety guidelines introduced by soccer's governing body FIFA and the State Government.

Detective Glenn Lillie, who investigated India's death, said Wingecarribee Shire Council had received at least three warnings from local authorities about the dangers of portable goalposts.

But, said Detective Lillie, neither the council nor Moss Vale Soccer Club appeared to have taken action.

During a reconstruction Detective Lillie "used his index finger" to tip over the goalposts.

Witness Stephen Manson said he released India's mother from the nets, then realised she had a small child in her arms.

AdvertisementAdvertisement

"He rolled the child over and saw blood.

"The child was breathing, but shallow and gurgling. He checked for a pulse but was unable to locate one," Detective Lillie said.

William Verity said: "It's not going to bring back our daughter but we hope (the inquest) will prevent children dying and being injured on soccer fields by portable soccer posts in the future."

Ian Campbell, who organised the family soccer day, said he was aware that the posts had to be pegged down or the council would confiscate them.